Karen Freeman

Karen L. Freeman, 62, of Gordonville passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2012, comforted by her family, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She had struggled with cancer the past two years.

She was born June 18, 1950, in Cairo, Ill., to George and Frances Travis Huckleberry. She and Michael S. Freeman were married April 2, 1977, at Camdenton, Mo.

Karen formerly owned and operated a residential cleaning business, Karen's Kreative Kleaning, 20 years. However, she is now better known as "The Avery's Lady," after successfully launching her secret meat marinade in 2010. "Avery's Amazing Marinade" can be found in grocery stores throughout the Midwest.

She was a member of Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America and Gateway Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of Greater St. Louis. She had a special love for her many pets. In 2005, one of her Pembroke Welsh Corgis, her beloved dog Grady, was the No. 1 Corgi in the United States and was invited to compete at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show in New York City.

Loving survivors include her husband of 35 years, Michael of Gordonville; two sons, Brian Swoboda (partner Jon Boyer) of Carbondale, Ill., Chris Freeman (fiancee Kathy Francis) of St. Louis; mother-in-law, Peggy Freeman of Jefferson City, Mo.; two sisters-in-law, Lesli (Larry) Spencer of Jefferson City, Juli Freeman of Kansas City, Mo.; two brothers-in-law, Jack (Lorrie) Freeman of Jefferson City and Dick (Jeanie) Freeman of Bolivar, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her father, George Huckleberry (1973); her mother and stepfather, Frances and John C. "Jack" Tallman (2008 and 2003); father-in-law, Wybert R. Freeman; and an honorary son, Douglas Gross.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to time of service Monday at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gary Hoffstetter officiating.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the American Cancer Society or Pets Second Chance, 222 Renaldo Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63017.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.